The Blossom Project is accelerating its mission to strengthen student mental wellbeing, and is extending its permanent counselling services to four new primary schools, ensuring more children receive the support they need to thrive.

Run by The Malta Trust Foundation, Blossom will now be offering its psychosocial support to students attending St Theresa College Msida Primary, St Theresa College Santa Venera Primary, St Claire College San Gwann Primary, and San Ġorġ Preca College Paola Primary.

An agreement was signed with the four schools today during an event addressed by The Malta Trust Foundation chair Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, and Education Minister Clifton Grima.

Conceived by Ms Coleiro Preca, this project was set up in St Paul’s Bay Primary in 2016. It is funded by the business community and government, who cover the salaries of the Blossom team, including counsellors, psychotherapists, family therapists, and clinical and counselling psychologists.

With the four new additions, Blossom is now present in 15 schools and has offered counselling to more than 10,000 students facing bullying, exclusion, family conflict, academic pressure, trauma, mental health difficulties, emotional regulation challenges, loneliness or isolation, among others.

Ms Coleiro Preca said: “The Blossom Project stands among the most meaningful investments we have made in children’s wellbeing. By identifying and addressing challenges early, we are reducing long-term barriers to learning, health, and opportunity.

“This is how lasting social impact is created; through foresight, care, and consistent collaboration… Every child supported today strengthens the wellbeing of tomorrow’s society.”

The Blossom Project places permanent professional counsellors in schools to offer therapeutic support to students who need a safe space to process their experiences, in real time.

These counsellors work together with guidance teachers, social workers, psychologists, youth workers, and other professionals in state colleges, forming a team capable of identifying early warning signs and intervening before problems escalate.